La Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) was officially recognized by the Ecuadorian State according to the executive decree No. 646 published in the official record No. 217 on May 5, 1971. With this the UTPL becomes an autonomous corporate organization that is protected by the "Modus Vivendi" document formalized between the Saint Principal Office and the Ecuadorian State, keeping in mind the norms of the Church in its organization and governance.